Green Legacy recognized as model of action in global fight against climate change

Addis Ababa, July 4, 2024, (FBC) – Ethiopia’s Green Legacy Initiative has demonstrated to the world the necessity of practical responses to the climate change challenges facing our planet.

The Spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Nebiyu Tedla, held a press briefing today, addressing Ethiopia’s diplomatic activities, particularly the success of its Green Diplomacy Initiative.

Ambassador Nebiyu Tedla emphasized that the Green Legacy Initiative is not just a domestic program; it has positioned Ethiopia as a role model in combating environmental degradation and deforestation over the past five years.

He highlighted that Ethiopia has distributed hundreds of thousands of saplings to neighboring countries, leading regional efforts to mitigate the impact of changing weather conditions and frequent disasters.

Significant progress has been made in integrating the Green Legacy Initiative into regional initiatives, enhancing the safety of Transboundary Rivers that are shared with neighboring countries. The initiative has demonstrated that practical actions are needed beyond conferences to effectively combat climate change and has been adopted as a best practice by over 200 countries, Nebiyu noted.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs also outlined its summer voluntary service program, which includes this year’s Green Legacy initiative. The program features other activities such as renovating homes for the vulnerable, donating educational materials to 400 students, supporting 29 children under the ministry’s care, and blood donation. Additionally, the launching of the construction of model sanitary facilities supported by the Ethiopian diaspora was also mentioned.

The visit of Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Taye Atske-Selassie, to Djibouti, his first visit to a neighboring country since his appointment, underscores the strategic partnership between Ethiopia and Djibouti, according to the MFA Spokesperson. During the visit, Ambassador Taye engaged in productive discussions with Djibouti’s President, Ismail Omar Guelleh, and Foreign Minister, Mahamoud Ali Youssef, covering bilateral and regional issues. Agreements were reached to repair and upgrade infrastructure, improve services at the Djibouti Horizon oil terminal, and enhance port services.

Nibyu also recalled the meeting between Foreign Minister Taye and his Somali counterpart in Ankara, facilitated by Turkiye, where the two ministers reaffirmed their commitment to regional stability and scheduled a second round of talks for September 2, 2024, in Ankara.

Ambassador Nebiyu also noted the return of many members of the diaspora in response to Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed’s call. The third phase of the reception program for second-generation diaspora members has begun, aiming to reconnect them with their culture and history while involving them in the upcoming voluntary service activities.